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Lemon Orzo with Salmon

Lemon Orzo with Salmon
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A fresh, light, and vibrant Lemon Orzo with Salmon recipe combining tender citrus-infused orzo pasta with flaky, perfectly cooked salmon. Quick and easy to make, this dish balances bright lemon flavors with rich salmon and is perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or impressive weekend meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for orzo)
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Salmon

  • 2 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking salmon)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Flavor & Garnish

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orzo: Bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook until tender yet slightly firm, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil to keep the orzo moist and full of flavor.
  2. Season the Salmon: While orzo cooks, pat salmon fillets dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to infuse vibrant flavor that complements the orzo.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin crisps. Flip fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily.
  4. Combine and Finish: Remove salmon from skillet and gently flake into large chunks. Fold salmon into the lemon-infused orzo. Toss in fresh herbs and add a splash more lemon juice if desired for extra brightness.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, natural flavor.
  • Do not overcook salmon to keep it moist and tender.
  • Toast dry orzo lightly in olive oil before cooking for nuttier flavor.
  • Reserve some broth to loosen orzo if it thickens before serving.
  • Cooking salmon with skin on helps protect the fish and yields crispy skin texture.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of broth; avoid microwave reheating.
  • Frozen salmon can be used if fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
  • For gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa, rice, or gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Orzo, Salmon, Quick Dinner, Healthy Recipe, Mediterranean, Seafood, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/lemon-orzo-with-salmon/